MISER’S HOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 458, 8 May 1909, Page 4

MISER’S HOARD.

There died lately in the Croydon Hospital, England, of starvation and neglect an old man named Frederick Strike, 73 years of age, who, it has been found, was possessed of several hundreds of pounds. Since his wife died three years ago the old man has lived the life of a recluse at 66, Cherry Orchard - road, East Croydon. Hearing groans in the house, neighbours, knowing that he lived aloue and was au old and feeble man, forced an entry, and there in the scullery found the old man in au unconscious condition. Strike was removed to the hospital, where he died as stated. The house in which he lived is a small fiveroomed cottage, a low wooden fence running close along the front. Tattered blinds and the remains of what were lace curtains can he dimly seen. The interior of the house is in a very dirty condition. After the old man had been found in the scullery a search of the premises resulted in the discovery of a number of documents and a bank-book showing that be had several hundreds of pounds standing to his credit. In his bedroom a number of gold and silver coins were found in a scattered heap on the table, an empty bag lying beside the money. The old miser had evidently been counting his hoard, when, probably hearing a noise below, he became apprehensive of robbery, and went downstairs to secure the doors. Being feeble with age and want, he was unable to return, and thus his savings were left to be discovered by strangers. Mrs Goodman, bis next door neighbour, said : ‘‘ Apparently he had very little to eat or drink but what we gave him. After he got better, he suddenly accused me of robbing him, so I refused to go into the house again. I don’t think anyone ever went inside the house after we left off going.”